Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) yesterday held the ISOPADEC Youth Interactive Development Forum, bringing together youth leaders and stakeholders from oil-producing communities in Imo State to deliberate on peace, security, and sustainable development.
The seminar, held at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat, Owerri, with the theme “Youth Engagement as a Catalyst for Peace, Security and Development,” was attended by the Managing Director of ISOPADEC, youth presidents, and representatives from the three ISOPADEC local government areas.
Participants also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hope Uzodimma and the ISOPADEC Managing Director.
Raising the motion for the vote of confidence, ISOPADEC Youth Presidents of Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema, Ohanyere Vin Jorge and Ogbabi Chinagorom Justus, described the Governor and the ISOPADEC MD as pragmatic leaders who have delivered development, peace, and security in oil and gas-producing communities, emphasizing their commitment to democracy and humanity.
During the interactive session, participants raised concerns on unemployment, scholarships, restoration of youth subventions, electricity supply, road infrastructure, and the need for deliberate development of oil-producing communities.
Youth leaders emphasized that youths in the oil region are peace-loving and possess the skills and manpower necessary to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development if adequately supported.
The forum stressed the youth’s renewed commitment to promoting unity, peace advocacy, and constructive collaboration with government and relevant stakeholders to advance sustainable development across the oil-producing region.
Earlier, in his address, the MD of ISOPADEC reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to work closely with youths, whom he described as strategic partners in development, peace, and security. He emphasized collaboration, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility as key drivers of sustainable growth and assured participants of a renewed focus on youth empowerment programs, capacity-building, and infrastructural interventions.
He also disclosed plans to facilitate specialized overseas training opportunities for selected youths to enhance technical skills and global exposure, commending them for their constructive engagement and assuring that all issues raised would be carefully reviewed.
